It was to put it simply, a disastrous display from Newcastle United’s Ciaran Clark last night. The Ireland international was sent off in less than 10 minutes.
He attempted to clear the ball but it ricocheted off Teemu Pukki and he broke through. Clark, (the last man) pulled down the Finnish striker and was then shown a straight red card.
A game-changing outcome, making Newcastle’s festive period that much harder
This led to Eddie Howe having to change his game-plan early on. Ryan Fraser was taken off and replaced by experienced centre-back Federico Fernandez. Clark’s decision was criticised, the consensus was he should’ve let him through. If Norwich had scored it would’ve been easier to get back into the game with eleven men on the pitch.
Additionally, it means Clark will now be suspended as Newcastle approach the hectic Christmas period with some hard fixture coming up. Furthermore, Newcastle’s defence has been a big issue this season. They’ve leaked 30 goals this season, the most in the league this season.
Fernandez makes a case to be a starter
With calls for Fernandez to start ahead of Clark last night, fans were proven right. The Argentine put in a solid shift and looked much more comfortable at centre-back than his teammate.
With two contrasting performances, it would appear Fernandez has moved up in the pecking order for Howe and could start against Burnley.
Additionally, captain Jamaal Lascelles will be back from suspension and Paul Dummett is soon to be back from injury. Both you’d think would have more chance for future Newcastle selection.
Despite Dummett being naturally a left-back, he has proven to be effective cover at centre-half. In addition, the local boy has the reputation of being a reliable option for the Toon army over the years.
With the transfer window around the corner, it could spell the end for Clark
The defence is clearly an area that Newcastle are looking to rectify in the January transfer window.
With his recent performance, Clark could be in real trouble. New faces arriving in Tyneside would put him even further down the pecking order.
Rafa Benitez signed Clark back in the summer of 2016 when they were relegated to the Championship. The Magpies activated his release clause from Aston Villa and proved to be useful that season.
As well as that he was a handy option for the next few seasons following promotion. Nevertheless, it has now been five years and it is clear it is now time to move Clark along this January or summer.
Along with that the majority of the centre-backs, most have been at Newcastle since the Championship. When you’re a Premier League side, this is always going to spell trouble.
New era, new faces needed
Without a doubt, if Newcastle are to survive another season in the Premier League new signings are essential. New, hungry injections into the defence could be key for Howe and the bottom-placed Magpies.
Not only are there new owners in charge, but they have also made their ambitious spending clear. Performances are extremely important for the existing squad if they are to maintain a place in the side.
For Clark, it could well be the final nail in the coffin on Tyneside. After a catastrophic display, it’s hard to see where the £35,000-a-week man (Spotrac) will find any more minutes at Newcastle.
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